A Union County man charged in a crash that critically injured a man during an unsanctioned car rally last month was released from jail Monday.
A crash involving another driving killed two people.
Wnek did a “burn out” in his 2020 BMW in the area of Rio Grande and Park Boulevard, collided with another vehicle and then struck a golf cart with a couple and their daughters onboard.
The man, Erhan Bayram, suffered severe injuries, including a brain bleed, according to information released during Wnek’s detention hearing.
But the state has done nothing to present that the crash was any more than an accident, defense attorney Lou Barbone told the judge.
“Even assuming that he was driving carelessly or he spun his tires, that in no way establishes causation for an aggravated assault or assault by auto charge,” Barbone said.
Barbone also pointed to a second vehicle that collided with Wnew that seems to veer Wnew’s BMW toward the golf cart.
The judge denied the state’s request to have Wnek held, citing his lack of any criminal record and saying conditions could be imposed that would insure the public’s safety.
Assistant Prosecutor Dara Paley also asked that Wnek’s driving privileges be suspended. The judge denied that as well, saying that “in absence of any other motor vehicle history, I’m not inclined to do that at this time while we’re still in the allegation stage.”
He did warn Wnek that any new motor vehicle violations could result in his detention.
Wnek must check in with the court monthly.
